- Province: Western Cape
- Coordinates: 34°07′08″S 18°27′33″E
- Municipality: City of Cape Town
- Area: 0.37 km2
St James is a small coastal suburb of Cape Town in the Western Cape, located along the False Bay coastline. It lies between Kalk Bay and Muizenberg, at the base of the Steenberg Mountains. St James is known for its narrow coastal strip, tidal pool, and historic seaside cottages along the main road.
History of St James
St James is a small suburb along the False Bay coast just South of Muizenberg. It was named after the Catholic church in the area, built in 1880. The suburb grew mostly between 1910 and 1950 when the railway line was extended towards Simon’s Town.
Some beautiful historic homes between Muizenberg and St. James have belonged to the same families for generations. The homes, mostly built from stone, limestone and plaster, date back to the colonial era. St James’ cottage, built in 1853, was owned originally by Abraham Auret. Here, during the Anglo-Boer War, he hid prisoners of war in the loft of his barn and later helped them to cross False Bay.
The iconic beach still has the familiar colourful beach huts that have been a central feature since the early 20th century. These changing huts have become a beloved symbol of the area. The area also boasts the historic Anglican Church, established in 1863, a key landmark reflecting the suburb’s early colonial roots.
Vintage picture of the Main Road
The postcode is 7945
Resources
Practical information for the Western Cape: regulations, permits, and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
WEATHER IN ST JAMES TODAY
BROWSE BUSINESSES AND PLACES TO VISIT IN ST JAMES
Things to see and do in St James
- Whale watching in season
- Tidal pool
- Great views of False Bay from Boyes Drive.
- St James Walkway is a level path that runs past the rock pools and beaches to Surfers’ Corner in Muizenberg.
- Hot Huts mobile sauna, Wednesday, 6 am – 10 am Contact 083 501 8549
Useful Numbers
Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities
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Emergency Services
- Police: Fishhoek, 021784 2700
- Fire: Fishhoek 021 480 7700
- Ambulance: 10177
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Medical
- Closest hospital: False Bay Hospital 021 7821121
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Municipal & Utilities
- Water: 0860 103 089
- Electricity: 0860 103 089
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Transport & Roads
- Traffic department: Fishhook 021 784 2160
- Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204
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Community & Safety
- NSRI 087 094 9774
- SPCA: 021 700 4140
- 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape: 0861 555 777.
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Local Contacts and Community Resources
- Post office; Muizenberg 021 788 2675
- Find a comprehensive list of Cape Town Emergency numbers HERE
- The City of Cape Town Public Emergency Communication Centre is available 24/7 For all life or property-threatening emergencies, call 021 480 7700 from any phone or 107 from a landline or report online at https://bit.ly/3o4Ji3K
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
Learn more about the project HERE
